Christina’s POV
I’d planned to enjoy this singles cruise properly, hiding in my cabin just to avoid that loving couple would make look pathetic.
I decided to face my difficulties head-on. I was treating this like post-traumatic stress disorder from getting dumped. The only way through was forward.
Akira had different thoughts on the matter. "I think Hudson hasn’t rejected us yet, which ans he still cares."
The image of him draping his jacket over Lea last night flashed through my mind, making my heart ache.
"Maybe he’s just too busy romancing his new girlfriend to rember we’re still fated mates," I quickly countered.
With that bitter thought, I jumped out of bed and made myself look absolutely gorgeous. I chose a smoking hot bikini underneath a flowy, diterranean-inspired maxi dress. I even applied vibrant red lipstick and put on my sparkliest jewelry.
If Lea could look that radiant, I wouldn’t be outdone! I’d even decided that if that handso guy from last night asked to dance again, I’d grab his hand and reenact the whole Jack and Rose thing at the bow of the ship!
Akira found my plotting hilarious. "Ysolde would have a field day watching this."
"You know why she didn’t dare co?" I growled. "Because she was afraid I’d stab her the mont I saw Hudson on this ship."
Akira howled with laughter inside my head. "You better follow through on that."
I rolled my eyes, practiced my perfect smile in the mirror, and headed out.
Walking along the cruise deck, ready to enjoy the breeze, I heard a voice I’d heard countless tis in my dreams.
"Christina."
Damn it," I muttered under my breath, then turned to leave.
"Stay." Hudson blocked my path, his tall fra casting a shadow over .
I glanced around frantically, searching for an escape route. This restaurant was one of three on board, and it wasn’t even lunchti yet. I thought I’d be safe here. How did he even track down?
"I’m busy," I said, trying to sound casual.
"Doing what?"
I almost said "work," my go-to excuse for the past two months, then rembered where I was. A cruise ship wasn’t exactly my office.
A group of guys walked past carrying scuba gear, and inspiration struck.
"Diving," I blurted out. "I signed up for a class, and I’m running late."
"I’ll join you."
I sighed. "I don’t want you to. Shouldn’t you be enjoying this perfect afternoon with your new girlfriend?"
Without waiting for his response, I pushed past him, my dress billowing around my legs.
He caught up effortlessly, his long strides matching my hurried pace.
I started jogging.
He kept up without breaking a sweat.
People turned to stare as we rushed by, probably thinking we were complete nutcases.
I kept running until I reached the area where diving instructors were briefing a group of young n. Committed to my lie, I rented gear and inford the instructor I didn’t need lessons since I already had a diving license. He checked his list and nodded.
Throughout this charade, Hudson stayed close. I strapped on my equipnt, and he did the sa.
Akira stirred inside . "You know, this is getting ridiculous."
"Shut up," I thought back. "I’m committed to this bit now."
I almost asked Hudson where he’d gotten his license. In all our ti together, I never knew he could dive. But I bit my tongue. Asking ant conversation, and that was the last thing I wanted right now.
I slipped into the water and swam a short distance away, hoping he’d take the hint.
But the day was perfect and the sea warm, which ant the shallower spots were packed with tourists. I tried taking so underwater photos, but all I captured were heads and flailing limbs.
So I swam farther out.
Hudson remained in my peripheral vision, never more than a few yards away. His powerful strokes cut through the water with practiced ease.
I ignored him and tried to recall sothing I’d read about this stretch of diterranean Sea. According to the cruise website, there was a hidden treasure nearby with crystal-clear waters and rare marine life. Hardly anyone knew about it, but it was considered risky since the area was undeveloped.
Back on the ship, I rented a small boat with GPS and entered the coordinates. Hudson boarded despite my icy silence. I tolerated his presence; it wasn’t like I could shove an Alpha werewolf overboard.
"This silent treatnt is childish," Akira comnted.
"So is following soone who clearly wants space," I shot back ntally.
Thirty minutes later, I spotted a tiny islet rising from the water.
"Don’t," Hudson said as the boat slowed.
"What?"
"A place this remote, not even on the maps, could hide unknown dangers."
"If you’re scared, stay on the boat," I challenged, giving him a look.
I checked my gear ticulously, ignoring his concerned expression. Once everything was secure, I slipped into the sea.
With daylight fading, I carried a waterproof bag containing my phone and a flashlight. I descended slowly, taking pictures as I went. The deeper I swam, the more it felt like discovering a hidden world full of wonders.
Though diving wasn’t my expertise, the ocean’s beauty captivated , making pause and linger at various spots. Hudson, however, seed uninterested in sightseeing. He stuck to my side like so aquatic bodyguard.
Light dimd gradually as we went deeper. Every so often, our flashlights swept across the water. Curious fish darted close, circling before flashing away in silver streaks.
I alternated between photographing the scenery and simply absorbing what no cara could truly capture. Little by little, the resentnt I’d been carrying about Hudson and his new girlfriend faded. Nature had its way of soothing jagged emotions.
"See? This isn’t so bad," Akira murmured inside . "Maybe you two can actually talk when we surface."
"Don’t hold your breath," I replied, then snorted at my own diving pun.
We reached a depth where going further wouldn’t be safe. I paused, planning to head back, when specks of blue-green light began gathering around us. My heart leaped with excitent.
I switched off my flashlight.
Darkness enveloped us, but the glow only intensified, shimring in gentle waves. Bioluminescent organisms. Their full glory only revealed in complete darkness.
I remained perfectly still, letting them drift closer until they surrounded in their ethereal light.
It felt like swimming through a galaxy of stars.
I glanced at Hudson, hazy in the distance. The blue-green glow illuminated his features, making him look almost otherworldly, like so ancient sea god.
Why was he even here? If he was with Lea, why wasn’t he by her side? Why board the sa cruise at all? If he’d planned this trip with Ysolde, why bring another woman along? To flaunt their relationship? But that didn’t sound like the Hudson I knew.
I shook my head, trying to clear it. Damn it. Why couldn’t I just enjoy this underwater beauty instead of unraveling every ti he appeared?
I swam faster, putting distance between us.
But just as I was about to surface, sothing disturbed the water around .
I froze. Sothing felt wrong.
"Christina, move!" Akira suddenly snarled in warning.
I kicked harder, desperate to reach the boat.
Suddenly, a strong hand clamped around my wrist and yanked downward.
Reviews
All reviews (0)